Integrated electrical receptacle system for outdoor application

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a receptacle assembly for receiving and attaching to a support an electrical device connectable to an electrical conductor. The receptacle assembly has an enclosure, a first mount, and a second mount. The enclosure has a sidewall with an outer surface having a shape generally corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a body formed by the intersection of a first cylinder eccentric to a second cylinder. The enclosure has a first opening for receiving the electrical device and a second opening for receiving the electrical conductor. The first mount is connected to the enclosure for attaching the receptacle assembly to the support. The second mount is connected to the enclosure for securing the electrical conductor to the enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 09/934,880, filed Aug. 22, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,547,589 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/679,576, filed Oct. 5,2000, now abandoned is related to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/169,763, filed Dec. 9, 1999, and claims the earlier filing dateof the provisional application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an integrated electrical receptacle system foroutdoor application. More particularly, this invention relates to asystem comprising an electrical receptacle mountable in chamberedcast-concrete blocks and masonry stones for providing electrical outletson the exterior surfaces of buildings, retaining walls and outdoorstructures.

It is often desired to provide electricity to areas outside ofcommercial and industrial buildings along with residential properties.Although many such buildings have electrical outlets installed on anoutside wall, the outlet, when found on concrete and masonry blockconstruction, is typically powered in a “surface mount” method; i.e. acable is inserted through metal or plastic conduit that runs along theoutside wall of the building and through a portion of the foundation ofthe structure.

The “surface mount” method of installation has several drawbacks; theoutlet is not protected by the structure of the building; locating andinstalling outlets in a “surface mount” manner is difficult and timeconsuming; and the outlet is exposed to a variety of moisture fromvarious sources. In time, outlets installed in this manner can breakopen exposing electrical current carrying parts, which present adangerous shock hazard.

The present invention allows for multiple electrical connections to beplaced in various locations in stone, masonry block and concretefoundations without incurring any of the aforementioned drawbacks. Theinvention allows for electrical and other types of low voltage outletssuch as signals for cable television, telephone/internet access,lighting and stereo speaker wires to located within the masonry blockstructure itself instead of on its surface. This protects the outletfrom moisture and traffic damage, makes it easier to install when thebuilding is originally being constructed and prevents dangerous shockhazards due to loose or broken outlet fixtures.

The present invention allows multiple electrical connections to beplaced in various stone, masonry and block structures without incurringany of the aforementioned drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to ablock supporting at least one electrical connection and enclosing in aconduit at least one electrical conductor in electrical communicationwith the at least one electrical connection, the block having a cavity,a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface bears an openingto the cavity. The at least one electrical connection is disposed in thecavity to be accessible via the opening in the front surface of theblock. The at least one electrical conductor extends between the atleast one electrical connection and the rear surface of the block,wherein the at least one electrical connection and the at least oneelectrical conductor enclosed in the conduit are electrically insulatedfrom the block and are insulated from moisture in the block.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a combination of ablock and a device for enclosing in a conduit at least one electricalconductor and for supporting at least one electrical connection. Thecombination includes the block having a cavity for receiving the device,a front surface and a rear surface. The device includes a box having achamber therein, a front side and a rear side. The front side bears afirst opening to the chamber and the rear side bears a second opening tothe chamber. The box is positioned in the cavity with the front sidegenerally aligned with the front surface of the block. The at least oneelectrical connection is generally disposed in the chamber of the box tobe accessible from the front surface of the block. A tube is positionedon the rear side of the box and has a chute therethrough. The chute isaligned with the second opening to the chamber. The tube is at leastpartially disposed in the cavity and generally extends fromapproximately the rear side of the box to approximately the rear surfaceof the block. The at least one electrical conductor extends through thetube and is in electrical communication with the at least one electricalconnection.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a device forenclosing in a conduit at least one electrical conductor and forsupporting at least one electrical connection. The device includes a boxhaving a chamber therein, a front side and a rear side. The front sidebears a first opening to the chamber and the rear side bears a secondopening to the chamber. The box has a flange disposed around the frontside of the box and oriented generally parallel relative to the rearside of the box. The flange has a first major surface for receiving aface plate. The at least one electrical connection is generally disposedin the chamber of the box and is positioned proximate to the front sideof the box. A tube is positioned on the rear side of the box and has achute therethrough. The chute is aligned with the second opening to thechamber. At least one electrical conductor extends through the tube andis in electrical communication with the at least one electricalconnection.

The present invention is alternatively directed to receptacle assemblyfor containing an electrical device and a length of an electricalconductor extending from a supply conduit to the electrical device. Thereceptacle assembly is mountable in a block having a first side and asecond side opposed to and spaced a first distance from the first side.The first side has a first exterior surface and a first interiorsurface. The second side has a second exterior surface and a secondinterior surface. A cavity extends from the first interior surface tothe second interior surface. The cavity has a first cavity opening inthe first side and a second cavity opening in the second side. Thereceptacle assembly comprises an enclosure, a flange, a hub, a tubularmember and a conduit coupling. The enclosure has a unitary wall forminga chamber for containing the electrical device. The unitary wall has afirst chamber opening for providing access to the electrical device. Thefirst chamber opening corresponds to the first cavity opening. Theflange is integral with the unitary wall and attaches the receptacleassembly to the block. The hub is integral with the unitary wall andprovides a second chamber opening for receiving a portion of the lengthof the electrical conductor. The tubular member has a first longitudinalaxis, a first end and a second end. The tubular member extends from thehub to the second cavity opening. The first end is joined to the hub.The conduit coupling has a first coupler and a second coupler. The firstcoupler is joined to the second end of the tubular member. The secondcoupler is for being joined to the supply conduit. The receptacleassembly forms a passageway within the cavity. The passageway has asecond longitudinal axis and extends from the first exterior surface ofthe block to the second exterior surface of the block. The passageway isimpermeable to fluid in the block.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a block forcontaining a receptacle assembly. The receptacle assembly has apassageway for containing an electrical device and a length of anelectrical conductor. The passageway has a second longitudinal axis. Afirst portion of the passageway has an outer surface having a firstshape generally corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a bodyformed by the intersection of a first cylinder with a second cylinder.The first cylinder has a third longitudinal axis. The second cylinderhas a fourth longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis is coaxialwith the second longitudinal axis of the passageway. The fourthlongitudinal axis is generally parallel to and spaced-apart from thethird longitudinal axis. A second portion of the passageway has agenerally circular cross sectional shape. The block comprises a firstside, a second side and a cavity. The first side has a first exteriorsurface and a first interior surface. The second side is opposed to andspaced from the first side. The second side has a second exteriorsurface and a second interior surface. The cavity extends from the firstinterior surface to the second interior surface. The cavity has a firstcavity opening in the first side and a second cavity opening in thesecond side. The first cavity opening has a third sidewall extendingfrom the first exterior surface of the first side to the first interiorsurface of the first side. The third sidewall circumscribes the firstcavity opening and has a third shape generally corresponding to thefirst shape of the outer surface of the first portion of the passageway.The second cavity opening has a fourth sidewall extending from thesecond exterior surface of the second side to the second interiorsurface of the second side. The fourth sidewall circumscribes the secondcavity opening and has a fourth shape generally corresponding to thegenerally circular cross-sectional shape of the second portion of thepassageway. The second cavity opening has a fifth longitudinal axiscoaxial with the third longitudinal axis of the first cylinder.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a method forpreparing a block for receiving a receptacle assembly having apassageway. The passageway has a second longitudinal axis. A firstportion of the passageway has an outer surface having a first shapegenerally corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a body formedby the intersection of a first cylinder with a second cylinder. Thefirst cylinder has a third longitudinal axis. The second cylinder has afourth longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis is coaxial withthe second longitudinal axis of the passageway. The fourth longitudinalaxis is generally parallel to and spaced a second distance from thethird longitudinal axis. A second portion of the passageway has agenerally circular cross sectional shape. The block has a first side anda second side opposed to and spaced a first distance from the firstside. The first side has a first exterior surface and a first interiorsurface. The second side has a second exterior surface and a secondinterior surface. A cavity extends from the first interior surface tothe second interior surface. The method comprising the following steps:drilling a first circular opening through the first side of the block,the first circular opening forming a first cavity opening, the firstcircular opening having a sixth longitudinal axis corresponding to theto the second longitudinal axis of the passageway; drilling a secondcircular opening through the first side of the block, the secondcircular opening having a seventh longitudinal axis corresponding to thefourth longitudinal axis; and drilling a third circular opening throughthe second side of the block, the third circular opening forming asecond cavity opening, the third circular opening having an eighthlongitudinal axis coaxial with the sixth longitudinal axis.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a method forpreparing a block for receiving a receptacle assembly having apassageway. The passageway has a second longitudinal axis. A firstportion of the passageway has an outer surface having a first shapegenerally corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a body formedby the intersection of a first cylinder with a second cylinder. Thefirst cylinder has a third longitudinal axis. The second cylinder has afourth longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis is coaxial withthe second longitudinal axis of the passageway. The fourth longitudinalaxis is generally parallel to and spaced a second distance from thethird longitudinal axis. A second portion of the passageway has agenerally circular cross sectional shape. The block has a first side anda second side opposed to and spaced a first distance from the firstside. The first side has a first exterior surface and a first interiorsurface. The second side has a second exterior surface and a secondinterior surface. A cavity extends from the first interior surface tothe second interior surface. The method comprising the following steps:drilling with a first-step corer of a three-step coring drill a pilotbore through the first side of the block, the pilot bore having a sixthlongitudinal axis corresponding to the second longitudinal axis of thepassageway; extending the first-step corer through the pilot bore to theinterior surface of the second side of the block; drilling with thefirst-step corer a second cavity opening through the second side of theblock; extending the first-step corer through the second cavity opening;drilling with a second-step corer of the three-step coring drill, thesecond corer having a diameter larger than the first corer, a firstcircular opening through the first side of the block; extending thesecond-step corer through the first circular opening; drilling with athird-step counter-borer of the three-step coring drill a first counterbore in the first side of the block; withdrawing the three-step coringdrill from the block; removing the first-step corer from the three-stepcoring drill; drilling with the second-step corer a second circularopening through the first side of the block, the second circular openinghaving a seventh longitudinal axis corresponding to the fourthlongitudinal axis; extending the second-step corer through the secondcircular opening; drilling with the third-step counter-borer a secondcounter bore in the first side of the block; and withdrawing thethree-step core drill from the block.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a receptacle systemfor containing an electrical device and a length of an electricalconductor extending from a supply conduit to the electrical device. Thereceptacle system comprises a block and a receptacle assembly. The blockcomprises a first side, a second side and a cavity. The first side has afirst exterior surface and a first interior surface. The second side isopposed to and spaced a first distance from the first side. The secondside has a second exterior surface and a second interior surface. Thecavity extends from the first interior surface to the second interiorsurface. The cavity has a first cavity opening in the first side and asecond cavity opening in the second side. The receptacle assemblycomprising an enclosure, a flange, a hub a tubular member and a conduitcoupling. The enclosure has a unitary wall forming a chamber forcontaining the electrical device. The unitary wall has a first chamberopening for providing access to the electrical device. The first chamberopening corresponds to the first cavity opening. The flange is integralwith the unitary wall and is attached to the block. The hub is integralwith the unitary wall and provides a second chamber opening forreceiving a portion of the length of the electrical conductor. Thetubular member has a first longitudinal axis, a first end and a secondend. The tubular member extends from the hub to the second chamberopening. The first end is joined to the hub. The conduit coupling has afirst coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is joined to thesecond end of the tubular member. The second coupler is for being joinedto the supply conduit. The receptacle assembly forms a passageway withinthe cavity. The passageway has a second longitudinal axis and extendsfrom the first exterior surface of the block to the second exteriorsurface of the block. The passageway is impermeable to fluid within theblock.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a receptacle assemblyfor receiving and attaching to a support an electrical deviceconnectable to an electrical conductor, the receptacle assemblycomprising an enclosure, a first mount and a second mount. The enclosurehas a sidewall with an outer surface having a shape generallycorresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a body formed by theintersection of a first cylinder eccentric to a second cylinder. Theenclosure has a first opening for receiving the electrical device and asecond opening for receiving the electrical conductor. The first mountis connected to the enclosure for attaching the receptacle assembly tothe support. The second mount is connected to the enclosure for securingthe electrical conductor to the enclosure.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a receptacle assemblyfor containing an electrical device and a length of a non-metallicsheathed electric cable to the electrical device. The receptacleassembly is mountable in a block having a first side and a second side,the first side having a first exterior surface and a first interiorsurface, the second side having a second exterior surface and a secondinterior surface. A cavity extends from the first interior surface tothe second interior surface. The cavity has a first cavity opening inthe first side and a second cavity opening in the second side. Thereceptacle assembly comprises an enclosure, a first mount and a secondmount. The enclosure has a unitary wall forming a chamber for containingthe electrical device. The unitary wall has a first chamber opening forproviding access to the electrical device. The first chamber openingcorresponds to the first cavity opening. The first mount is connected tothe unitary wall for securing the enclosure to the block. The firstmount comprises a flange circumscribing the outer surface of the unitarywall proximal to the first chamber opening and a retainer pivotablyconnected to the unitary wall. The retainer is pivotable about aretainer axis between a retracted position and an extended position andis movable along the retainer axis between a disengaged position and anengaged position. The first mount secures the enclosure to the blockwhen the first side of the block is positioned between the flange andthe retainer and the retainer is in the extended and engaged positions.The second mount is integral with the unitary wall and is configured toprovide a second chamber opening for receiving a portion of the lengthof the electrical cable, and to connect the electrical cable to theunitary wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a block for supporting at leastone electrical connection positioned in an exterior wall of a buildingor the like;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the block of FIG. 1 as taken alongthe line 2—2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular outlet assembly;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the modular outlet assembly of FIG. 4 withthe top removed;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the modular outlet assembly takenalong line 5—5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a deviceof the present invention for use in substantially enclosing the at leastone electrical connection, the device can be used with a block (as shownin FIG. 14);

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial top plan view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a partial left side elevation view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is front elevation view of a second preferred embodiment of thedevice for substantially enclosing the at least one electricalconnection of the present invention which can also be used with a block(in a fashion similar to that shown in FIG. 14);

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 11 as takenalong the line 12—12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 11 as takenalong line 13—13 of FIG. 11 with an optional speaker connection shown(which is not shown in other views);

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, showing acombination of a block and the first preferred embodiment of the devicefor substantially enclosing the at least one electrical connector;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a third preferred embodimentof the receptacle system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is cross-sectional view of the block in FIG. 15 taken along theline 16—16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle assembly shownin FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of athree-step coring drill in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is bottom perspective view of a fourth embodiment of thereceptacle assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is top perspective partially exploded view of the receptacleassembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is top perspective view of the receptacle assembly of FIG. 19showing the retainer in the retracted and disengaged position;

FIG. 22 is top perspective view of the receptacle assembly of FIG. 19showing the retainer in the extended and disengaged positions;

FIG. 23 is top perspective view of a portion of the fifth preferredembodiment of the receptacle assembly in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle assembly of FIG.23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of a combination block anddevice, and designated parts thereof. The word “a,” as used in theclaims and in corresponding portions of the specification, means “atleast one.” The term “connected” means that there exists between any twoor more elements a structural path, which may include additionalelements not explicitly recited. The word “block,” as used in the claimsand in the corresponding portions of the specification, means “any oneof a brick, a concrete block, a masonry block, a masonry unit, a block,and a stone.” The term “building,” as used in the claims and in thecorresponding portions of the specification, means “any one of a house,a commercial establishment, an apartment unit, a commercial building,and a factory.” The terminology includes the words noted above,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals representlike elements throughout, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a block, generallydesignated as 600′, supporting at least one electrical connectionaccording to the present invention. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a modularoutlet assembly, generally designated as 700, according to the presentinvention. FIGS. 6-10 and 14 illustrate portions of a first preferredembodiment of a device, generally designated as 800, for supporting atleast one electrical connection according to the present invention.FIGS. 11-13 illustrate portions of a second preferred embodiment of adevice, generally designated as 800′, for supporting at least oneelectrical connection according to the present invention.

While one embodiment of electrical conductors and connections isdiscussed in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2, those of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate from this disclosure that similar electricalconductors and connections can be used with any of the devices shown inthe drawings. Accordingly, reference to the electrical conductors andconnections shown in FIG. 2 will be made throughout the specificationwhile discussing embodiments of the present invention illustrated inother figures with the understanding that similar electronic structures,or their equivalents, can be used with each of the disclosed embodimentsof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 generally speaking, a block 600′ supports at leastone electrical connection 604, 606, or 608 and encloses at least oneelectrical conductor 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, 624 a, or 624 b in electricalcommunication with the at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or608. The block 600′ has a cavity 603, a front surface 602 and a rearsurface 612. The front surface 602 bears an opening 603′ to the cavity603. The at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or 608 is disposedin the cavity 603 to be accessible via the opening 603′ in the frontsurface 602 of the block 600′. The at least one electrical conductor 622a, 622 b, 622 c, 624 a, or 624 b extends between the at least oneelectrical connection 604, 606, or 608 and the rear surface 612 of theblock 600′, wherein the at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or608 and the at least one electrical conductor 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, 624a, or 624 b are electrically insulated from the block 600′ and areinsulated from moisture in the block 600′.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 6-10 and 14, the combination of the block 600′,600 and the device 800 preferably encloses at least one electricalconductor 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, 624 a, or 624 b and supports at least oneelectrical connection 604, 606, or 608. The block 600′, 600 has a cavity603 that preferably receives the device 800 and has a front surface 602and a rear surface 612. The device 800 preferably includes a box 802having a chamber 804 therein. The box 802 preferably has a front side806 and a rear side 808. The front side 806 bears a first opening 810 tothe chamber 804 and the rear side 808 bearing a second opening 812 tothe chamber 804.

The box 802 is positioned in the cavity 603 with the front side 806generally aligned with the front surface 602 of the block 600. The term“generally aligned” encompasses the front side 806 being recessed intothe block 600 (as shown in FIG. 14) and encompasses the front side 806of the box 802 protruding marginally from the block 600. Accordingly,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosurethat the front surface 806 of the box 802 can be slightly recessed intothe block 600 to allow a face plate 832 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 12and 13) to be generally flush (or slightly recessed) with the frontportion 602 of the block 600 without departing from the scope of theclaimed invention. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate, that the front surface 806 of the box 802 can extendslightly from the front portion 602 of the block 600 while still beinggenerally aligned with the front surface 602 of the block 600.

The at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or 608 is generallydisposed in the chamber 804 of the box 802 to be accessible from thefront surface 602 of the block 600. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate from this disclosure that the at least one electricalconnection can protrude partially outwardly from the chamber 804 whilestill being generally disposed in the chamber 804. A tube (or conduit)814 is positioned on the rear side 808 of the box 802 and has a chute816 extending therethrough. The chute 816 is preferably aligned with thesecond opening 812 to the chamber 804. The tube 814 is preferably atleast partially disposed in the cavity 603 and generally extends fromthe rear side 808 of the box 802 to the rear surface 612 of the block600. The at least one electrical conductor 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, 624 a,or 624 b extends through the tube 814 and is in an electricalcommunication with the at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or608.

Additionally, the combination block 600 and device 800, 800′ can be usedto form part of an exterior wall of a building having at least oneelectrical connection 604, 606, or 608 accessible from outside thebuilding. Referring to FIG. 1, such a building would include an exteriorwall 605 having a wall exterior surface 607 disposed outside of thebuilding. The exterior wall 605 preferably includes the block 600 havingthe cavity 603 for receiving the device 800, 800′, a front surface 602and a rear surface 612.

Referring to FIG. 2, a front portion 602 of the block 600′ preferably,but not necessarily, includes at least one electrical outlet 604, atleast one telephone connector 606 or at least one cable connector 608. Arear portion 612 of the block 600′ preferably includes first and secondjunction boxes 614, 634 which will be discussed in more detail herein.The block 600′ preferably has a cavity 603 comprising two channels 616,618 extending from the front 602 to the rear 612 of the block 600′. Thecavity 603 preferably, but not necessarily, contains at least oneelectrical channel, such as a power channel 616 and a low voltagechannel 618.

Referring to the block 600′ shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the channels 616,618 are preferably separated by a partition 620. The power channel 616may include a plurality of conductors 622 including a hot conductor 622a, a neutral conductor 622 b, and a ground conductor 622 c fortransmitting electrical power from the rear 612 of the block 600′ to thefront 602 of the block 600′. The low voltage channel 618 preferablyincludes low voltage cables 624 connecting the rear 612 of the block600′ to the surface 602 of the block 600′. The low voltage cables 624can include co-axial cables 624 a, telephone cables 624 b, or othermulti-conductor cables (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 2, the second junction box 634 includes a firstopening 626 at a forward end of the junction box 634 which is incommunication with the power channel 616. The plurality of conductors622 extend through the first opening 626 and terminate within thejunction box 634. The second junction box 634 preferably includes aremovable cover 628 at a rear end of the second junction box 634opposite the first opening 626. The cover 628 preferably includes aconduit connection 630 to connect the interior of the second junctionbox 634 to a well known electrical conduit fitting 632 (in phantom).Also preferably, the cover 628 includes a gasket 629 or other type ofseal to provide a watertight seal between the cover 628 and the secondjunction box 634.

The electrical insulation and moisture insulation between the block 600′and the at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or 608 and the atleast one electrical conductor 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, 624 a, or 624 b ispreferably provided by a PVC sheath or similar dielectric material.However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from thisdisclosure that various other suitable materials, such as rubber, can beused to provide electrical and moisture insulation from the block 600′,or the surrounding blocks, without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

The first junction box 614 preferably includes a first opening 636 at aforward end of the junction box 614 which is in communication with thelow voltage channel 618. The plurality of low voltage conductors 624extend through the first opening 636 and terminate at appropriateconnectors 606, 608 within the first junction box 614. The firstjunction box 614 also preferably includes a removable cover 638 at arear end of the first junction box 614 opposite the first opening 636.The cover 638 preferably includes a conduit connection 640 to connectthe interior of the first junction box 614 to a well known electricalconduit fitting 642 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2). Also preferably,the cover 638 includes a gasket 639 or other type of seal to provide awatertight seal between the cover 638 and the first junction box 614.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, instead of first andsecond junction boxes 614, 634, a single junction box (not shown) can beused with the block 600′ for terminating the plurality of conductors 622and for supporting at least one electrical connector 606, 608 shown inFIG. 2. It is preferable that the power channel 616 and the low voltagechannel 618 are separated by a solid partition 620 and that two separateconduit connectors, one on either side of the partition 620, are used.Additionally, instead of two separate covers 628, 638, a single cover(not shown) can be used.

The block 600′ can be, but is not necessarily, constructed from apolymeric material or some other suitable dielectric material. If theblock 600 is constructed of a polymeric material, the block 600′ ispreferably shaped and colored similarly to other construction ordecorative blocks surrounding the block 600′ to blend in with thoseblocks. Also, the front 602 of the block 600′ preferably, but notnecessarily, includes a power cover 644 and a low voltage cover 646(shown in FIG. 1) which are each hingedly connected to the block 600′.Each cover 644, 646 is pivotable between a first, closed positioncovering the at least one electrical connection 604, 606, or 608 and asecond, open position exposing each of the respective outlets orconnections. In the closed position, the covers 644, 646 preferably sealthe respective outlets 604 or connections 606, 608, forming a generallywatertight seal over the outlets or connections. Also, the covers 644,646 can preferably be locked closed either individually or as a group,preferably by a well known lock hasp and a padlock arrangement (notshown). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the covers644, 646 can be locked in the closed position by other methods as well.

The block 600′ is preferably, but not necessarily, constructed so thatthe block 600′ can be located at any level of the wall as shown in FIG.2 and so that the block 600′ can support the weight of any subsequentblocks stacked upon the block 600. Additionally, the block 600′ caninclude at least one speaker connection 834 (shown in FIG. 13) disposedwithin the cavity 603 or within the device 800, 800′. While a speakerconnection is shown in device 800′, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate from this disclosure that the speaker connection 834 canoptionally be added to the block 600′ shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or to thefirst preferred embodiment of the device 800.

To connect the block 600′ to a power or low voltage source (not shown),the user preferably runs conduits 632, 642 to the rear side 612 of theblock 600′. To access a junction box 614, 634, the cover 628, 638 ispreferably removed from the block 600′. If power cables are being run,the ends of the power cables are run through the conduit 632 and throughthe conduit connection 630 in the cover 628 and are then connected tothe conductors 622 in the second junction box 634. The cover 628 is thenreinstalled on the junction box 634 and the conduit fitting 632 isconnected to the conduit connection 630. If low voltage cables are beingrun, the ends of the low voltage cables are run through the conduit 642and through the conduit connection 640 in the cover 638 and the endconnectors (not shown) are connected to the connectors 606, 608injunction box 634. The cover 638 is then reinstalled on the junctionbox 634 and the conduit fitting 642 is connected to the conduitconnection 640.

Although the junction boxes 614, 634 are preferably located at the rear612 of the block 600′, those skilled in the art will recognize that thejunction boxes 614, 634 can be located on other sides of the block 600′as well.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosurethat other methods of conveying power to the at least one electricalconnection 604, 606, or 608 can be used without departing from the scopeof the present invention. For example, electrical connections can bedisposed on both sides of the block 600′.

Referring to FIGS. 6-10 and 14, a first preferred embodiment of a device800 for use with a block 600 is shown. Referring to FIG. 8, the box 802is preferably formed as a separate piece from the tube 814. Referring toFIG. 7, the box 802 preferably has a generally rectangular box-likeshape. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate fromthis disclosure that the box 802 can have any shape without departingfrom the scope of claimed invention. For example, the box 802 can behemispherical, elliptical, rectangular, irregularly shaped or the likewithout departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,referring to FIGS. 11-13, a box 802 having a generally cylindrical shapeis shown.

During the assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the device 800,a watertight seal using a molded in PVC joint 832 is preferably formedbetween the tube 814 and the box 802. It is preferred, but notnecessary, that the device 800 be formed of PVC material. However, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure thatvarious materials can be used to form the device 800 without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. Additionally, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the tube 814and the box 802 can be formed as a single element without departing fromthe scope of the claimed invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11, the device 800, 800′ preferably, but notnecessarily, includes a flange 818 disposed around the front side 806 ofthe box 802 which is oriented generally parallel relative to the frontsurface of the block 600. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate from this disclosure that many types of block 600 do not havean even planar front surface and, accordingly, it is only possible to begenerally parallel with the average front surface 602 of a block 600.Thus, the term “generally parallel” as used in the claims and in thecorresponding portions of the specification should not be interpreted toexclude the use of the device 800, 800′, with blocks having a curved,decorative, or irregular front surfaces (as shown in FIG. 14). Instead,generally parallel should be interpreted to mean generally parallel tothe overall front surface of the block or wall of which the block 600 isa part.

The flange preferably bears fastener holes 830 to allow an outlet plate832 (shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 12 and 13) to be secured over thefirst opening 810 of the box 802. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that various methods can be used to secure the outletplate 832 to the device 800, 800′ or that the outlet plate 832 can beomitted altogether without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the flange 818 preferably has a first majorsurface 820 for receiving a face plate and preferably has a second majorsurface 822 for at least partially abutting the block 600, as shown inFIG. 14. While FIG. 14 shows the device 800 seated off-center in theblock 600, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theposition of the device 800 within the block 600 can be varied withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Referring to thesecond embodiment of the device 800′ shown in FIG. 11, the front side806 of the box 802 is preferably designed to accommodate a roundelectrical cover plate 832. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate from this disclosure, that the front 806 of the device 800,800′ and the cover plate 832 can have any desired shape withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the flange 818 is preferably, but not necessarily,aligned with the front surface 602 of and recessed into the block 600.Referring to FIG. 7, an adhesive 824 is preferably, but not necessarily,disposed on the second major surface 822 of the flange 818 to securelyengage the box 802 with the block 600. The adhesive is preferably, butnot necessarily, disposed on the second major surface in a plurality ofstrips of adhesive.

The second major surface 822 preferably includes grooves 826 which allowfluid to drain without contacting the adhesive 824. Referring to FIG. 8,the tube 816 preferably extends generally perpendicularly from the rearside 808 of the box 802. The term generally perpendicularly as used inthe claims means within about thirty degrees of perpendicular from therear side 808 of the box 802 which is comparable to the tolerance errorwhich can occur on a construction site with such an item. Morepreferably still, the term generally perpendicular, as used in theclaims, means within about fifteen (15) degrees of perpendicular fromthe rear surface 612 of the block 600. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9, awire clamp 828 is preferably, but not necessarily, disposed within thechamber 804 for securing at least one electrical conductor 622 a, 622 b,622 c, 624 a, or 624 b.

It is preferable that the at least one electrical connection 604, 606,or 608 include at least one electrical outlet 604, at least one phonejack 606, or at least one cable connector 608. It is more preferable,that the at least one electrical connection include at least oneelectrical outlet 604 and at least one phone jack 606. It is morepreferable still, that the at least one electrical connection include atleast one electrical outlet 604, at least one phone jack 606 and atleast one cable connector 608.

The present invention also includes a method of forming a block 600 forreceiving a device 800, 800′ which extends from approximately a rear, orfirst, side 612 of the block 600 to approximately a front, or second,side 602 of the block 600. The device 800, 800′ is adapted to convey atleast one electrical conductor 622 a, 622 b, 622 c, 624 a, or 624 b toat least one electrical connector 604, 606, or 608 positioned proximateto the second side 602 of the block 600. The device 800, 800′ includes abox 802 having a front side 806 and a rear side 802. A tube 814 ispositioned on the rear side 808 of the box 802 and generally extendsoutwardly from the rear side 808 of the box 802. The method of formingthe block 600 for receiving the device preferably includes positioning amold to receive material to be formed into a block 600 having a cavity603 for receiving the device 800, 800′. The cavity 603 is formed so thatwhen the device is placed in the cavity 603 the front side 806 of thebox 802 is generally aligned with the second side 602 of the block 600and so that the tube 814 extends from the rear side 808 of the box 802to approximately the first side 612 of the block 600. The method of thepresent invention also includes placing material in the mold andremoving the block from the mold. Processes for molding blocks are setforth in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,277,853, 5,887,401, and 6,113,379which are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, as an alternative to using blocks, the electricalcables can be run to outlets 720 and/or connectors 722, 724 mounted in arailing section 700, particularly in a side post 702, a top rail 704 ora spindle 706. The modular outlet assembly can be in the form of otheritems typically found in a residential or commercial outdoorenvironment, including, but not limited to, a water fountain (notshown), a statue (not shown), or a piece of furniture (not shown).

The railing section 700 is preferably constructed from a dielectricmaterial, and more preferably, from a plastic or other suitablepolymeric material. Preferably, a junction box 708 is located on therailing section 700, such as, by way of example and not meant to belimiting, along a bottom rail as shown in FIG. 3. The junction box 708is similar to, and preferably identical to, the junction boxes 614, 634described above in connection with the block 600, and includesconnections (not shown) for an electrical conduit to bring electricalpower and low voltage electrical signals to the junction box 708. Thejunction box 708 includes a junction box 708 a for electrical powerconnections as well as a junction box 708 b for co-axial cable andtelephone cable connections 722, 724. The junction boxes 708 a, 708 bare partitioned from each other by a wall 709.

The railing section 700 includes an enclosed power cable channel 710with power cables 720 run therethrough which terminate at the outlet 720on one end of the cables 720 and in the junction box 708 a on the otherend of the cables. Electrical power cables (not shown) can be runthrough the electrical conduit and spliced to the power cables 720 inthe junction box 708 a. The railing section 700 also includes anenclosed low voltage channel 712 with low voltage cables 722 runtherethrough which terminate at the connections 722, 724 on the sidepost 702, the top rail 704 or the spindle 706 at one end of the cables722, and at the connectors 722, 724 in the junction box 708 b at theother end of the cables 722. Similar to the block 600, the railingsection 700 can include at least one speaker connection (not shown),with a speaker cable (not shown) being run through the low voltagechannel 712.

Covers 726 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 only, for clarity) are hingedlyconnected to the railing section 700 and are operable between a closedposition, which covers the outlets 720 and the connectors 722, 724, andan open position, which exposes the outlets 720 and the connectors 722,724. Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show individual covers 726 for each outlet720 and connector 722, 724, those skilled in the art will recognize thata single cover (not shown can be used to cover all of the outlets 720and connectors 722, 724. Additionally, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the covers 726 can be secured in a closed position by alock (not shown) to avoid unauthorized use of the outlets 720 and/or theconnectors 722, 724.

Preferably, each element described above which includes power cablesincludes a “hot” conductor, a “neutral” conductor, and a “ground”conductor. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that eachelement can include additional conductors as well. Preferably, theelectrical outlets 604, 720 described above are 125 volt, 15 amp, GroundFault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, although those skilled in theart will recognize that the outlets can be other voltages and currentratings, and need not necessarily be GFCI outlets.

Although the low voltage is discussed as being telephone or co-axialcable, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types ofcables, including but not limited to, audio speaker cable and fiberoptic cable, can also be run through the open or low voltage channels618 and 712. In addition to or alternatively to the co-axial connectors608, 722 and the telephone cable connectors 606, 724, speaker jacks,fiber optic connectors and other connectors (not shown) can be used.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, there is shown a third preferred embodiment ofthe integrated electrical receptacle system, generally designated 200,and hereinafter referred to as the “receptacle system” 200, inaccordance with the present invention. The receptacle system 200comprises a block 210 and a receptacle assembly 300. The receptacleassembly 300 forms in the block 210 a passageway 302 having a secondlongitudinal axis 304. The passageway 302 extends from a first exteriorsurface 218 of the block 210 to the second exterior surface 224 of theblock 210 and is for containing an electrical device 410 and a length ofan electrical conductor 420, 420′ extending from a supply conduit 430 ora cable 430′ suitable for underground installation to the electricaldevice 410. The passageway 302 is impermeable to fluid within the block210.

Those having ordinary skill in the art of receptacle systems willunderstand from the present disclosure that the block 210 can be a widevariety of block sizes and shapes having a wide variety of decorativefacings. The artisan will also understand that the electrical device 410may be a variety of well known devices and may or may not includeoutlets or connection such as a power outlet, a low voltage outlet, atelephone outlet, an audio/video outlet or the like or such additionaldevices as lighting fixtures, speakers, and displays. Further, theartisan will understand that the electrical conductor 420, 420′ may be avariety of well known conductors such as high or low voltage cable,co-axial cables, telephone cables and other multi-conductor cables.Still further, the artisan will understand that the passageway 302 byvirtue of its impermeability, insulates the electrical device 410 andconductor 420, 420′ from moisture and generally serves as a weatherproofing barrier.

Referring to FIG. 16, the block 210 comprises a first side 212, a secondside 214 and a cavity 216. The first side 212 has a first exteriorsurface 218 and a first interior surface 220. The second side 214 isopposed to and spaced a first distance 222 from the first side 212. Thesecond side 214 has a second exterior surface 224 and a second interiorsurface 226. The cavity 216 extends from the first interior surface 220to the second interior surface 226. The cavity 216 has a first cavityopening 228 in the first side 212 and a second cavity opening 230 in thesecond side 214. The first cavity opening 228 has a third sidewall 232extending from the first exterior surface 218 of the first side 212 tothe first interior surface 220 of the first side 212. The third sidewall232 circumscribes the first cavity opening 228 and has a third shapegenerally corresponding to the first shape of the outer surface 330 ofthe first sidewall 328 of the unitary wall 322, discussed below.Preferably, the third sidewall 232 has a counter bore 234. The secondcavity opening 230 has a fourth sidewall 236 extending from the secondexterior surface 224 of the second side 214 to the second interiorsurface 226 of the second side 214. The fourth sidewall 236circumscribes the second cavity opening 230 and has a fourth shapegenerally corresponding to the generally circular cross sectional shapeof the second portion 308 of the passageway 302. The second cavityopening 230 has a fifth longitudinal axis 238 coaxial with the thirdlongitudinal axis 332 of the first cylinder.

Referring to FIG. 17, the receptacle assembly comprises an enclosure312, a flange 314, a hub 316, a tubular member 318, and a conduitcoupling 320. The enclosure 312 has a unitary wall 322 forming a chamber324 for containing the electrical device 410. The unitary wall 322 has afirst chamber opening 326 for providing access to the electrical device410. The first chamber opening 326 corresponds to the first cavityopening 228. Preferably, the unitary wall 322 has a first sidewall 328that forms a first portion 306 of the passageway 302. The first sidewall328 has an outer surface 330 having a first shape generallycorresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a body formed by theintersection of a first cylinder 331 (partially shown in phantom) with asecond cylinder 333 (partially shown in phantom shown). The firstcylinder 331 has a third longitudinal axis 332. The second cylinder 333has a fourth longitudinal axis 334. The third longitudinal axis 332 iscoaxial with the second longitudinal axis 304 of the passageway 302. Thefourth longitudinal axis 334 is generally parallel to and spaced asecond distance 336 from the third longitudinal axis 332. Preferably thefirst sidewall 328 is tapered.

The flange 314 is integral with the unitary wall 322 and is attached tothe block 210. Preferably, the flange 314 circumscribes the outersurface 330 of the first sidewall 328 of the unitary wall 322 proximalto the first chamber opening 326 and has a second sidewall 338 spacedfrom and generally parallel to the outer surface 330 of the firstsidewall 328 of the unitary wall 322. The second sidewall 338 has asecond shape generally corresponding to the first shape of the outersurface 330 of the first sidewall 328. The flange 314 has a mountingsurface 340 abutting the counter bore 234 and adhering to the counterbore 234. The mounting surface 340 has at least one adhesive slot 342and at least one drainage slot 344.

The hub 316 is integral with the unitary wall 322. The hub 316 providesa second chamber opening 346 for receiving a portion of the length ofthe electrical conductor 420.

The tubular member 318 has a first longitudinal axis 348, a first end350 and a second end 352. The first longitudinal axis 348 is coaxialwith the third longitudinal axis 332 of the first cylinder 331. Thetubular member 318 extends from the hub 316 to the second cavity opening230. The tubular member 318 forms a second portion 308 of the passageway302. The first end 350 of the tubular member 318 is joined to the hub316. Preferably, the tubular member 318 is joined to the hub 316 by anadhesive bond that is impermeable to fluid. Those having ordinary skillin the art will understand that the tubular member 318 may joined to thehub 316 by other well known techniques such a threaded connection, aswage fitting and the like without departing from the scope of theinvention.

The conduit coupling 320 has a first coupler 354 and a second coupler356. The first coupler 354 is joined to the second end 352 of thetubular member 318 preferably by an adhesive bond that is impermeable tofluid. The second coupler 356 is preferably for being joined to thesupply conduit 430. Those having ordinary skill in the art willunderstand from the present disclosure that the conduit coupling 320could be adapted for joining to structures other than the supply conduit430 without departing from the scope and intent of the presentinvention. For example, an alternate coupler 320′ having a first seal358 for sealably joining to a cable 430′ suitable for undergroundinstallation could be joined to the second end 352 of the tubular member318. The artisan will also understand that the conduit coupling 320could have a seal for preventing the entry of fluid into the passageway302.

Preferably, the receptacle assembly 300 has an adapter plate 360 thathas a second seal 362. The adapter plate 360 is removably, sealablyattached to the flange 314 and is configured for providing access to theelectrical device 410 and for releasably supporting a cover plate (notshown). Still further, the receptacle assembly 300 includes a mountingspacer 364 removably attachable to the tubular member 318 and insertablein the second cavity opening 230 for supporting the tubular member 318.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for preparing ablock 210 for receiving a receptacle assembly 300 having a passageway302. The passageway 302 has a second longitudinal axis 304. A firstportion 306 of the passageway 302 has an outer surface 330 having afirst shape generally corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of abody formed by the intersection of a first cylinder 331 (partially shownin phantom) with a second cylinder 333 (partially shown in phantomshown). The first cylinder 331 has a third longitudinal axis 332. Thesecond cylinder 333 has a fourth longitudinal axis 334. The thirdlongitudinal axis 332 is coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 304of the passageway 302. The fourth longitudinal axis 334 is generallyparallel to and spaced a second distance 336 from the third longitudinalaxis 332. A second portion 308 of the passageway 302 has a generallycircular cross sectional shape. The block 210 has a first side 212 and asecond side 214 opposed to and spaced a first distance 222 from thefirst side 212. The first side 212 has a first exterior surface 218 anda first interior surface 220. The second side 214 has a second exteriorsurface 224 and a second interior surface 226. A cavity 216 extends fromthe first interior surface 220 to the second interior surface 226.

The method comprises at least the following three steps. One step isdrilling through the first side 212 of the block 210 a first circularopening having a sixth longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the secondlongitudinal axis 304 of the passageway 302. Another step is drillingthrough the first side 212 of the block 210 a second circular openinghaving a seventh longitudinal axis corresponding to the fourthlongitudinal axis 334 of the second cylinder 333. The first and secondcircular openings overlap to form the first cavity opening 228. Anotherstep is drilling through the second side 214 of the block, a thirdcircular opening having an eighth longitudinal axis coaxial with thesixth longitudinal axis of the first circular opening. The thirdcircular opening forms the second cavity opening 320. Preferably, thefirst and second circular openings have the same diameter and the thirdcircular opening has a diameter that is less than the diameter of thefirst and second circular openings. Those having ordinary skill in theart of preparing a block, such as the block 210, for receiving areceptacle assembly, such as the receptacle assembly 300, willunderstand from the disclosure that follows that although the order inwhich the first, second and third circular openings are drilled may bearbitrary, a preferred drilling order is to drill the first circularopening, then the third circular opening and then the second circularopening.

The artisan will also understand from the present disclosure thatpreferably, the first, second and third circular openings are drilledwith a three-step coring drill, such as the coring drill 500 shown inFIG. 18. The coring drill 500 has a longitudinal coring drill axis 502and comprises a corer hub 510, a first corer 512, a second corer 514 anda counter-borer 516. The corer hub 510 is generally cylindrically shapedand has a first bore 518 for receiving a drive shaft (not shown) of adriver (not shown) well known in the block fabrication art for rotatingthe corer hub 510 about the coring drill axis 502. The corer hub 510 hasan externally threaded shaft 520 for mounting the first corer 512. Thefirst corer 512 is cylindrical in shape and has a first coring end 522and an internally threaded mounting end 524 for being removably attachedto the threaded shaft 520 of the corer hub 510. The second corer 514 hasa cylindrical-shape second corer body 526 that is coaxial with the firstcorer 512 and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of thefirst corer 512. The second corer body 526 has a second coring end 528and a second corer flange 530 spaced from the second coring end 528. Thesecond corer flange 530 is integral with the second corer body 526, isannular in shape and has an outer diameter that is greater than thediameter of the second corer body 526. The second corer 514 is fixedlyattached by the second corer flange 530 to the corer hub 510 forrotation therewith. The counter borer 516 is annular in shape and isintegral with the outer portion of the second corer flange 530. Thefirst coring end 522, the second coring end 528 and the counter borer516 preferably have an abrasive surface formed by abrasives such asdiamond or cubic boron nitride.

Preferably, the first, second, and third circular openings are drilledin the block 210 by a method that comprises at least the steps discussedbelow.

A first step is drilling a pilot bore through the first side 212 of theblock 210. Preferably the pilot bore is drilled with the first-stepcorer 512 of a three-step coring drill, such as the coring drill 500shown in FIG. 18. The pilot bore has a sixth longitudinal axiscorresponding to the second longitudinal axis 304 of the passageway 302.Another step is extending the first-step corer 512 through the pilotbore to the second interior surface 226 of the second side 214 of theblock 210 and drilling with the first-step corer 512 the second cavityopening 230 through the second side 214 of the block 210. Another stepis extending the first-step corer 512 through the second cavity opening230 and drilling with the second-step corer 514 of the three-step coringdrill 500, a first circular opening through the first side of the block.Still another step is extending the second-step corer 514 through thefirst circular opening and drilling with the third-step counter-borer516 of the three-step coring drill 500 a first counter bore in the firstside 212 of the block 210. The next step is withdrawing the three-stepcoring drill 500 from the block 210 and removing the first-step corer512 from the three-step coring drill 500. The next step is drilling withthe second-step corer 514 a second circular opening through the firstside 212 of the block 210, the second circular opening having a seventhlongitudinal axis corresponding to the fourth longitudinal axis. Thenext step is extending the second-step corer 514 through the secondcircular opening and drilling with the third-step counter-borer 516 asecond counter bore in the first side 212 of the block 210. The laststep is withdrawing the three-step core drill 500 from the block 210.

In use, after the block 210 has been prepared for receiving thereceptacle assembly 300, the receptacle assembly 300 is partiallyinserted in the first cavity opening 228 of the block 210. An adhesiveis applied to the mounting surface 340 of the flange 314 and thereceptacle assembly is further inserted into the first cavity opening228 until the mounting surface abuts the counter bore 234 and thereceptacle assembly is secured to the block 210 by the adhesive. Themounting spacer 364 is slideably positioned on the tubular member 318 sothat the mounting spacer 364 provides support for the tubular member 318within the second cavity opening 230. In this condition, the block 210is suitable for placement in various stone or masonry structures and forcoupling with a supply conduit 430 for receiving a length of anelectrical conductor 420 extending therefrom and providing animpermeable passageway 302 for the electrical conductor 420 through thestone or masonry structure to an electrical device 410 insertable in theenclosure 312 of the receptacle assembly 300.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22, there is shown a fourth preferred embodimentof the integrated electrical receptacle system, generally designated900, and hereinafter referred to as the “receptacle assembly” 900 inaccordance with the present invention. The receptacle assembly 900 isfor receiving and attaching to a support, such as the first side 212 ofthe block 210 shown in FIG. 16, an electrical device connectable to anelectrical conductor, such as the electrical device 410 and cable 430′shown in FIG. 15. The receptacle assembly 900 comprises an enclosure902, a first mount 904 connected to the enclosure 902 for attaching thereceptacle assembly to the support and a second mount 906 connected tothe enclosure 902 for securing the electrical conductor to the enclosure902.

The enclosure 902 has a sidewall 912 with an outer surface 914 having ashape generally corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of a bodyformed by the intersection of a first cylinder eccentric to a secondcylinder. The enclosure 902 has a first opening 916 for receiving theelectrical device and a second opening 918 for receiving the electricalconductor.

The first mount 904 comprises a flange 920 and a retainer 922. Theflange 920 circumscribes the outer surface 914 of the sidewall 912 ofthe enclosure 902 proximal to the first opening 916. The retainer 922 ispivotably connected to the enclosure 902 and is pivotable about aretainer axis 924 between a retracted position (FIG. 21) and an extendedposition (FIG. 22) and movable along the retainer axis 924 between adisengaged position distal to the flange 920 and an engaged positionproximal to the flange 920. Preferably, the retainer 922 is entirelywithin a recess 926 in the outer surface 914 of the sidewall 912 of theenclosure 902 when the retainer 922 is in the retracted and disengagedpositions (FIG. 19). The first mount 904 secures the receptacle assembly900 to the support when the support is positioned between the flange 920and the retainer 922 and the retainer 922 is in the extended and engagedpositions, as shown in phantom in FIG. 19.

Preferably, the flange 920 has a mounting surface 928 for abutting thesupport. The mounting surface 928 has at least one adhesive slot 930 andat least one drainage slot 932. The flange 920 has a outer perimeter 934and an outwardly facing surface 936 configured for releasably supportinga cover plate (not shown) configured to cover and seal the first opening916. The outer perimeter 934 of the flange 920 preferably has agenerally rectilinear-shape. However, the shape of the outer perimeter934 can have a wide variety of well known geometric shapes or specialtyshapes such as the figure-eight-like shape shown in FIGS. 19-24.

The retainer 922 has a retainer hub 938. A lobe 940 extends from theretainer hub 938. The lobe 940 has an outer surface 942 preferably witha shape substantially the same as a portion of the outer surface 914 ofthe sidewall 912 of the enclosure 902. An actuator 944 connects theretainer 922 to the enclosure 902. The actuator 944 has an actuator axiscoincident 946 with the retainer axis 924. The actuator 944 isthreadedly connected to retainer hub 938 and is rotatably within a boss948 integral with the enclosure 902. A first rotation of the actuator944 pivots the retainer between the retracted position and the extendedposition. Interference with the wall of the recess 926 in the enclosure902 serves as a stop preventing further pivoting of the retainer 922upon further rotation of the actuator 944. A second rotation of theactuator 944 moves the retainer 922 along the actuator axis 946 from thedisengaged position toward the engaged position.

The second mount 906 preferably is a conduit hub 950 formed as anextension of a portion of the enclosure 902 and is configured to providethe second opening 918 in the enclosure 902. The conduit hub 950 isfurther configured to receive and secure to the enclosure 902 a conduitand to receive a an electrical conductor passing through the conduit,such as the supply conduit 430 or cable 430′ and the electricalconductors 420, 420′ extending therefrom, as shown in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, alternatively, the second mount 906′ comprisesa clamp 952 proximal to the second opening 918 of the enclosure 902 forsecuring the electrical conductor to the enclosure 902. Preferably, butnot necessarily, the electrical conductor is a non-metallic sheathedelectric cable, such as a cable commonly referred to as Romex® (aregistered trademark of General Cable Industries, Inc.) and the clamp952 comprises a grip 954 connected by a hinge 956 to the enclosure 902for engaging the cable. Upon insertion of the electrical conductorthrough the second opening 918, the grip engages the cable and resistswithdrawal of the cable.

The second mount 906, 906′ is not limited to the retainer hub 950configuration shown in FIG. 19 of the grip 954 and hinge 956configuration shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Referring to FIG. 15, forexample, to accommodate a variety of electrical conductors 420, 420′ andcables 430′ and supply conduits 430, the present invention provides foran alternate second mount that is integral with the unitary wall 322forming the chamber 324 for containing the electrical device 410 andconfigured to provide a second opening 346 for receiving a portion ofthe length of the electrical cable (or conductors) 420, and to connectthe electrical conductors 420 to the unitary wall 322. The alternatesecond mount comprises a hub 316, a tubular member 318, and a conduitcoupling 320. The hub 316 is integral with the unitary wall 322 andprovides the second chamber opening 346. The tubular member 318 has afirst end 350 and a second end 352 and extends from the hub 316 to thesecond cavity opening 346. The first end 350 is joined to the hub 316.The conduit coupling 320 has a first coupler 354 and a second coupler356. The first coupler 354 is joined to the second end 352 of thetubular member 318. The second coupler 356 is for being joined to thesupply conduit 430.

The receptacle assembly 900 can be secured to any support structurehaving a correspondingly configured cavity providing access to anelectrical conductor. The electrical conductor is inserted into thesecond opening 918 in the enclosure and secured to the enclosure by thesecond mount 906, 906′. The manner is which the conductor is secured tothe enclosure 918 depends on the configuration of the conductor andsecond mount 906, 906′. For example, if the second mount 906 has a hublike configuration and the electrical conductor is in a conduit, theconduit is typically adhesively connected to the hub. If the secondmount 906′ has a clamp-like configuration and the electrical conductoris a non-metallic sheathed electric cable, the conductor is typicallysecured to the enclosure by the grasping action of the clamp.

After the electrical conductor has been inserted in the enclosure 902,the receptacle assembly 900 is partially inserted in a cavity in thesupport, such as the cavity 216 in the block 210 as shown in FIG. 16,with the retainer 922 in the retracted and disengaged position. Adhesiveis applied to the adhesive slots 930 of the flange 920 and thereceptacle assembly 900 is further inserted into the cavity until themounting surface 928 of the flange 920 abuts the support.

The receptacle assembly 900 is secured to the support by the first mount902. TO secure the receptacle assembly to the support, the retaineractuator 944 is rotated to pivot the retainer 922 first to thedisengaged and extended position in which the retainer lobe 940 extendsoutwardly beyond the outer surface 914 of the sidewall 912 of theenclosure 920. When the retainer 922 pivots sufficiently to strike thesidewall 912, further rotation of the actuator 944 moves the retainer922 toward the support. Continued rotation of the actuator 944 causesthe retainer 922 to abut the support and secure the receptacle assembly900 to the support. Preferably, the receptacle assembly 900 has anotherfirst mount spaced from the first mount 902 that is similarly actuatedto secure the receptacle assembly 900 to the support at anotherlocation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes could be made tothe embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A receptacle assembly for receiving and attaching to a support anelectrical device connectable to an electrical conductor, the receptacleassembly comprising: an enclosure having a sidewall with an outersurface and an inner surface, the outer surface generally correspondingto a continuous outer surface formed by a portion of an outer surface ofa first cylinder and a portion of an outer surface of a second cylinder,the first cylinder intersection the second cylinder, the inner surfacegenerally corresponding to a continuous inner surface formed by aportion of the inner surface of the first cylinder and a portion of aninner surface of the second cylinder, the enclosure having a firstopening for receiving the electrical device and a second opening forreceiving the electrical conductor; a retainer pivotably connected tothe enclosure, the retainer pivotable about a retainer axis between aretracted position and an extended position and movable along theretainer axis between a disengaged position and an engaged position; afirst mount connected to the enclosure for attaching the receptacleassembly to the support; and a second mount connected to the enclosurefor securing the electrical conductor to the enclosure.
 2. Thereceptacle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mountcomprises: a flange circumscribing the outer surface of the sidewall ofthe enclosure proximal to the first opening; whereby the first mountsecures the receptacle assembly to the support when the support ispositioned between the flange and the retainer and the retainer is inthe extended and engaged positions.
 3. The receptacle assembly accordingto claim 2, wherein the flange has a mounting surface for abutting thesupport, the mounting surface having at least one adhesive slot and atleast one drainage slot.
 4. The receptacle assembly according to claim2, wherein the flange has a generally rectilinear-shaped outerperimeter.
 5. The receptacle assembly according to claim 2, wherein theflange has an outwardly facing surface configured for releasablysupporting a cover plate configured to cover the first opening.
 6. Thereceptacle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the receptacleassemble further comprises a cover plate, and the flange has a mountingsurface for abutting the support, a generally rectilinear-shaped outerperimeter, and an outwardly facing surface configured for releasablysupporting the cover plate, the mounting surface having at least oneadhesive slot and at least one drainage slot, the cover plate configuredto seal the first opening.
 7. The receptacle assembly according to claim2, wherein the retainer is entirely within a recess in the outer surfaceof the sidewall of the enclosure when the retainer is in the retractedand disengaged positions.
 8. The receptacle assembly according to claim7, wherein the retainer has a retainer hub and a lobe extending from theretainer hub, the lobe having an outer surface with a shapesubstantially the same as a portion of the outer surface of the sidewallof the enclosure.
 9. The receptacle assembly according to claim 8,wherein an actuator connects the retainer to the enclosure, the actuatorhaving an actuator axis coincident with the retainer axis, the actuatorthreadedly connected to retainer hub and rotatably within a bossintegral with the enclosure, and whereby a first rotation of theactuator pivots the retainer between the retracted position and theextended position and a second rotation of the actuator moves theretainer along the actuator axis from the disengaged position toward theengaged position.
 10. A receptacle assembly for receiving and attachingto a support an electrical device connectable to an electricalconductor, the receptacle assembly comprising: an enclosure having asidewall with an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surfacegenerally corresponding to a continuous outer surface formed by aportion of an outer surface of a first cylinder and a portion of anouter surface of a second cylinder, the first cylinder intersection thesecond cylinder, the inner surface generally corresponding to acontinuous inner surface formed by a portion of the inner surface of thefirst cylinder and a portion of an inner surface of the second cylinder,the enclosure having a first opening for receiving the electrical deviceand a second opening for receiving the electrical conductor; a firstmount connected to the enclosure for attaching the receptacle assemblyto the support, the first mount comprising: a flange circumscribing theouter surface of the sidewall of the enclosure proximal to the firstopening, the flange having a mounting surface for abutting the support,a generally rectilinear-shaped outer perimeter, and an outwardly facingsurface configured for releasably supporting a cover plate configured toseal the first opening, the mounting surface having at least oneadhesive slot and at least one drainage slot, the cover plate configuredto seal the first opening, and a retainer pivotably connected to theenclosure, the retainer pivotable about a retainer axis between aretracted position and an extended position and movable along theretainer axis between a disengaged position and an engaged position, theretainer being entirely within a recess in the outer surface of thesidewall of the enclosure when the retainer is in the retracted anddisengaged positions, the retainer having a retainer hub and a lobeextending from the retainer hub, the lobe having an outer surface with ashape substantially the same as a portion of the outer surface of thesidewall of the enclosure, and an actuator connects the retainer to theenclosure, the actuator having an actuator axis coincident with theretainer axis, the actuator threadedly connected to hub and rotatablywithin a boss integral with the enclosure, a first rotation of theactuator pivoting the retainer between the retracted position and theextended position and a second rotation of the actuator moving theretainer along the actuator axis from the disengaged position toward theengaged position, whereby the first mount secures the receptacleassembly to the support when the support is positioned between theflange and the retainer and the retainer is in the extended and engagedpositions; and a second mount connected to the enclosure for securingthe electrical conductor to the enclosure.
 11. The receptacle assemblyaccording to claim 2, the second mount is a conduit hub formed as anextension of a portion of the enclosure and is configured to provide thesecond opening in the enclosure.
 12. The receptacle assembly accordingto claim 2, wherein the second mount comprises a clamp proximal to thesecond opening.
 13. The receptacle assembly according to claim 12,wherein the electrical conductor is a non-metallic sheathed electriccable and the clamp comprises a grip connected by a hinge to theenclosure, whereby the grip engages the cable when the cable is insertedthrough the second opening and resists a withdrawal of the cable.
 14. Areceptacle assembly for containing an electrical device and a length ofa non-metallic sheathed electric cable to the electrical device, thereceptacle assembly being mountable in a block having a first side and asecond side, the first side having a first exterior surface and a firstinterior surface, the second side having a second exterior surface and asecond interior surface, a cavity extending from the first interiorsurface to the second interior surface, the cavity having a first cavityopening in the first side and a second cavity opening in the secondside, the receptacle assembly comprising: an enclosure having a unitarywall forming a chamber for containing the electrical device, the unitarywall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surfacegenerally corresponding to a continuous outer surface formed by aportion of an outer surface of a first cylinder and a portion of anouter surface of a second cylinder, the first cylinder intersecting thesecond cylinder, the inner surface generally corresponding to acontinuous inner surface formed by a portion of the inner surface of thefirst cylinder and a portion of an inner surface of the second cylinder,the unitary wall having a first chamber opening for providing access tothe electrical device, the first chamber opening corresponding to thefirst cavity opening; a first mount connected to the unitary wall forsecuring the enclosure to the block, the first mount comprising a flangecircumscribing the outer surface of the unitary wall proximal to thefirst chamber opening and a retainer pivotably connected to the unitarywall, the retainer pivotable about a retainer axis between a retractedposition and an extended position and movable along the retainer axisbetween a disengaged position and an engaged position, whereby the firstmount secures the enclosure to the block when the first side of theblock is positioned between the flange and the retainer and the retaineris in the extended and engaged positions; and a second mount integralwith the unitary wall and configured to provide a second chamber openingfor receiving a portion of the length of the electrical cable, and toconnect the electrical cable to the unitary wall.
 15. The receptacleassembly according to claim 14, wherein the retainer is entirely withina recess in the outer surface of the unitary wall when the retainer isin the retracted and disengaged positions.
 16. A receptacle assembly forcontaining an electrical device and a length of a non-metallic sheathedelectric cable extending from a supply conduit to the electrical device,the receptacle assembly being mountable in a block having a first sideand a second side, the first side having a first exterior surface and afirst interior surface, the second side having a second exterior surfaceand a second interior surface, a cavity extending from the firstinterior surface to the second interior surface, the cavity having afirst cavity opening in the first side and a second cavity opening inthe second side, the receptacle assembly comprising: an enclosure havinga unitary wall forming a chamber for containing the electrical device,the unitary wall having a first chamber opening for providing access tothe electrical device, the first chamber opening corresponding to thefirst cavity opening; a first mount connected to the unitary wall forsecuring the enclosure to the block, the first mount comprising a flangecircumscribing the outer surface of the unitary wall proximal to thefirst chamber opening and a retainer pivotably connected to the unitarywall, the retainer pivotable about a retainer axis between a retractedposition and an extended position and movable along the retainer axisbetween a disengaged position and an engaged position, the retainerentirely within a recess in the outer surface of the unitary wall whenthe retainer is in the retracted and disengaged position, whereby thefirst mount secures the enclosure to the block when the first side ofthe block is positioned between the flange and the retainer and theretainer is in the extended and engaged positions; and a second mountintegral with the unitary wall and configured to provide a secondchamber opening for receiving a portion of the length of the electricalcable, and to connect the electrical cable to the unitary wall, thesecond mount comprising a hub, a tubular member, and a conduit coupling,the hub integral with the unitary wall and providing the second chamberopening, the tubular member having a first end and a second end andextending from the hub to the second cavity opening, the first end beingjoined to the hub, the conduit coupling having a first coupler and asecond coupler, the first coupler being joined to the second end of thetubular member, the second coupler for being joined to the supplyconduit, whereby the receptacle assembly forms a passageway within thecavity, the passageway extending from the first exterior surface of theblock to the second exterior surface of the block.
 17. The receptacleassembly according to claim 16, wherein the passageway is impermeable tofluid in the block.